Numerical Methods for Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering processes—from reactor design to transport phenomena—often rely on complex mathematical models that cannot be solved with simple algebra. To design and optimize these systems, modern engineers must rely on computational techniques. This text-based course guides you from foundational mathematical formulation to practical numerical solution, giving you the skills to simulate and analyze chemical systems with confidence. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational mathematical models governing chemical reactors, mass transfer, and thermodynamic systems. - Solve systems of non-linear algebraic equations representing chemical equilibrium and steady-state processes. - Apply numerical integration techniques to solve ordinary differential equations (ODEs) for transient system modeling. - Implement finite difference methods to analyze partial differential equations (PDEs) in transport phenomena. - Use modern Python libraries like NumPy and SciPy to automate and scale your engineering calculations. - Practice translating physical chemical engineering problems into structured, solvable numerical algorithms. You will start with core terminology, physical balance equations, and basic mathematical concepts before moving step-by-step through algebraic equations, differential systems, and practical optimization workflows. This course is designed for engineering students and practicing chemical engineers who want a clear, beginner-friendly introduction to numerical computation. No prior advanced programming experience is required. Start reading today to master the computational tools essential for modern chemical engineering.